Through a series of fortunate events, Ambrose recently upgraded to an iPod Touch and his younger brother Stephen inherited the ancient artifact known as his former iPod nano. Win, win!

But these boys do not enjoy the same listening privileges, and so this morning I was tasked with approving the songs that were on the 14-year-old’s device for 11-year-old listening. Bob Marley, okay. Cars soundtrack, okay. Usher … well, I don’t know.

“He doesn’t need that,” Dan told me on the phone when I asked his opinion. “Just take it off.”

When I told Stephen this news, he did not argue, but he did mention that the song in question was one of his favorites and he was disappointed to lose it. To educate myself, I looked up the lyrics and for good measure, opened the video on YouTube so that I could hear the song as I read the words.

I didn’t need to do that, though. Because upon hearing the music, 6-year-old Daniel immediately appeared at my side. And he was singing every single word of the lyrics from memory. With finger-pointing, microphone-miming, and hip-shaking.

But if I stop then just know that imma bring it back,
Never quittin’ on believin’ that.

“Oooooh, I LOVE that song!” Gabby called from the next room.

And then the final words seemed especially fitting.

Gonna push it to the limit, give it more.

I give up. No, I don’t. But I’m not winning this thing.